Kaine: Most useful to Obama in Virginia

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, rumored to be a top contender to join Barack Obama on the Democratic ticket, said Tuesday that the best place for him to help the Illinois senator is in the commonwealth.

Asked about the vice presidential position, Kaine did not categorically say that he would not be available for the job, but he told reporters: “I haven’t sought it. I’m not running for it. I’m not asking for it. I’ve never asked anything of the campaign. I didn’t endorse him to get anything; I endorsed him to help him.”

{mosads}The governor heaped praise on Obama, saying the presumptive Democratic nominee is “excellent in character … excellent in judgment, excellent in educational background. And I think that’s something that Americans want and deserve.”

Kaine is believed to be high on Obama’s list of vice presidential choices. He is a Washington outsider and could help Democrats deliver a win in a state that the GOP has consistently held in presidential campaigns.

The governor said one of the reasons he backed Obama is because of his belief that he could win Virginia.

“Right now, Virginia is definitely in play,” Kaine said. “And I’m going to be helpful there in whatever capacity.”

However, while polls are looking good for the Democratic candidate, Kaine cautioned that the campaign should maintain an underdog mentality.

“And so while I am optimistic not just about the course of the election generally but about Virginia, I’m going to stick with this underdog mentality and work a little bit extra hard and do a little bit more so that we can make sure we get a good result for the senator,” Kaine stated.